By FUNMILAYO ADEYEMI

The Vice-Chancellor, Margaret Lawrence University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, says the institution enforced a ban on smartphones on campus to enhance students’ academic focus.

Izevbigie said this on Monday in Abuja during the university’s third matriculation ceremony.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the institution matriculated no fewer than 272 students.

He said the smartphone restriction policy allowed students to use basic phones only for calls and text messages, noting that smartphones could be a distraction to academic activities.

“The students are not allowed to use smartphones or Android phones while on campus. They can use basic phones to make calls and send text messages,” he said.

The vice-chancellor added that the rule was part of the university’s effort to promote discipline and concentration on studies.

He explained that violations of the rule attracted sanctions ranging from suspension to stricter penalties for repeated offences.

Izevbigie said the 272 newly admitted students were formally inducted into the university system through the matriculation ceremony, which symbolised their official entry into the institution.

He said the university recorded a higher number of female students, estimating that about 70 per cent of the matriculating students were women, while 30 per cent were men.

According to him, matriculation marks the beginning of a student’s academic journey, while convocation represents the completion of that journey.

“For us, matriculation is very significant because you have to enter the university before you can eventually exit through graduation,” he said.

Akon added that the institution often used its matriculation ceremonies to unveil major projects and infrastructure within the university.

He said the university had previously used the event to inaugurate phases of its teaching hospital project and to commission other facilities.

The vice-chancellor said the 2026 matriculation ceremony also featured the commissioning of the university’s international conference centre.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Founder of the university, Paul Odili, expressed satisfaction with the success of the ceremony.

Odili said the institution was committed to nurturing students and preparing them to become future leaders and champions in their various fields.

Also speaking, Ayo Makun, a comedian and actor, popularly known as AY, encouraged the new students to take their education seriously, describing education as a passport to the future.

Makun noted that the high number of female students reflected increasing opportunities for women in education in Nigeria.

Also, the immediate past Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, urged newly the admitted students to uphold academic seriousness and ethical responsibility throughout their university education.

Rasheed described matriculation as one of the most important milestones in a student’s academic journey, marking the formal beginning of university life.

The former NUC boss said students must combine academic excellence with strong moral values in order to make meaningful contributions to society.

Rasheed also cautioned the students against adopting negative societal behaviours, urging them to remain focused and disciplined in their studies. (NAN)

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